These words of the woman in today’s gospel reveal a deep faith. “She had heard about Jesus” and she knew that Jesus could help her. So, she went and found him, and touched his garments.

This is an image that we see often in Mark’s Gospel. People hear about Jesus; they see his power. They know that Jesus can help them . . . so they go and find him and touch him. "For he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch ham" (Mark 3:10).

All who had afflictions . . . is that not all of us? Have you heard anything about Jesus which draws you to him?

If not, why? Do you not believe what you hear? Have you no afflictions? Will you not be healed? Throughout the Bible, we hear God’s word: “. . . I am the Lord who heals you” (Exod 15,26).

How do we touch Jesus? I believe that we touch Jesus when we think about him, or say his name, or ask for his help and healing. We touch him when we read his word in the Bible. We touch him when we receive him in Holy Communion.

In the Catholic Mass, there is a prayer for healing before we receive communion: “Lord, I am not worthy . . . but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Touch Jesus today – and every day. He so wants so much to heal us and give us deep peace.